US4987403A - Self contained device for giving audible messages to occupants of a vehicle - Google Patents

Self contained device for giving audible messages to occupants of a vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
US4987403A
US4987403A US07/465,774 US46577490A US4987403A US 4987403 A US4987403 A US 4987403A US 46577490 A US46577490 A US 46577490A US 4987403 A US4987403 A US 4987403A
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United States
Prior art keywords
housing
disposed
vehicle
negative electrode
positive electrode
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US07/465,774
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English (en)
Inventor
Stephen M. Apfel
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
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Priority to US07/465,774 priority Critical patent/US4987403A/en
Priority to EP90125624A priority patent/EP0437841B1/fr
Priority to DE90125624T priority patent/DE69004944D1/de
Priority to CA002033794A priority patent/CA2033794C/fr
Priority to JP3015918A priority patent/JPH04212649A/ja
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US4987403A publication Critical patent/US4987403A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
    • B60R22/48—Control systems, alarms, or interlock systems, for the correct application of the belt or harness
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
    • B60R22/48—Control systems, alarms, or interlock systems, for the correct application of the belt or harness
    • B60R2022/4808—Sensing means arrangements therefor
    • B60R2022/4816—Sensing means arrangements therefor for sensing locking of buckle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for giving audible messages.
  • the present invention relates to a self contained device for giving audible messages to occupants of a vehicle.
  • Another consideration is that a driver may want to warn his passengers to buckle their seat belts well into their journey. Commercially available systems do not give the driver an opportunity to re-announce the warning to these delinquent passengers.
  • the reminder device of the present invention includes a housing circuit means contained within the housing This circuit means includes a speech synthesizer for generating an audible message.
  • the device further includes means to electrically interconnect the circuit means and the electrical outlet.
  • the speech synthesizer is activated to generate the audible messages when the ignition switch is turned on.
  • the reminder device still further includes a normally open switch that is electrically connected to the circuit means. The momentary closure of the normally open switch deactivates the speech synthesizer to halt the audible message once the speech synthesizer has been activated by turning on the ignition switch.
  • the reminder device is entirely self contained and adapted to be installed in the vehicle.
  • a self contained device for giving audible messages comprising, a housing having a top, a side, and a front, a power source disposed remotely from the housing, a VELCRO® strap disposed on the top of the housing so that the self contained device giving audible messages can be mounted under the dashboard of the vehicle, a first negative electrode disposed from the housing, a first positive electrode disposed from the housing, the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode together connecting the self contained device for giving audible messages to the remote power source, a normally open switch disposed remotely from the housing, a light emitting diode, a second negative electrode disposed from the housing, and a second positive electrode disposed from the housing, the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode together connecting the normally open switch to the light emitting diode.
  • the driver has an opportunity to re-announce the warning to the delinquent passengers.
  • it further comprises a speaker disposed in the side of the housing.
  • Another feature of the present invention is that it further comprises a variable resistor switch disposed on the front of the housing so that the intervals for starting the messages are also manually controllable.
  • Yet another feature of the present invention is that it further comprises a volume control switch disposed on the front of the housing so that the audible volume of the messages can be controlled.
  • the power source can be the cigarette lighter disposed in the vehicle.
  • Yet still another feature of the present invention is that at further comprises a voice synthesizer that provides the messages through the speaker
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-contained device for giving audible and visual messages to occupants of a vehicle incorporating the present invention mounted underneath the dashboard of the vehicle;
  • FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the self-contained device for giving audible and visual messages to occupants of a vehicle incorporating the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the interval circuitry means for controlling the intervals of time in which the audible message of the invention is to be repeated.
  • FIG. 10 the general overall structure of the present invention 10 is shown with a housing 12 containing a speaker 24 and circuitry (not shown) for producing a voice message.
  • a VELCRO® support strap 14 secures th housing 12 to the underside of the dashboard (not shown)
  • the present invention 10 receives power from the vehicle through negative lead 16 and positive lead 18 which may terminate at their ends at an adaptor (not shown) for insertion within a vehicle cigarette lighter. Alternatively, negative lead 16 and positive lead 18 may be connected to the power line of an accessory (not shown).
  • the normally open switch 20 is remotely connected to the present invention 10 and provides manual activation or deactivation of the message.
  • the present invention is easily retrofitted into vehicle that is not equipped with such a warning device.
  • the negative lead 19 may be attached to any appropriate structure under the dashboard as long as it is spaced apart from the housing 12 a sufficient distance to assure that the speaker 24 will be free from obstructions
  • the VELCRO® support strap 14, of suitable length secures the present invention 10 to the vehicle.
  • the negative lead 16 and the positive lead 18 are attached to respective positive and negative connections within the vehicle. With the proper adaptor the present invention 10 and could the plugged into a vehicle cigarette lighter socket or into the power wiring of an accessory, such as a radio, heater, signal lights, etc. or the like.
  • Another positive lead 21 is connected to any wire that supplies 12V to an accessory such as the radio heater, cigarette lighter, signal lights, etc or the like. In this way the present invention 10 is activated when the ignition or accessory switch (not shown) is in the "ON" position, and is deactivated when the ignition or accessory switch is in the "OFF" position, while using a common ground.
  • the normally open switch 20 may take various forms, but will still be easily operable by the driver.
  • the normally opened switch 20 is disposed at a convenient, remote location and is electrically connected to the present invention 10. This enables the driver for example to attach the present invention 10 in the center of the bottom of the dashboard where a floor hump (only on rear wheel and four wheel drive vehicles) obscures free space from the dashboard center so that the normally open switch 20 must be mounted to the lower-left-hand portion of the dashboard for convenient reach.
  • the normally open switch 20 is in illuminated normally open momentary switch, which is approximately the size of a quarter, and glues to any location convenient to the driver, as discussed, supra.
  • the present invention 10 is suspended by the strap 14 from any convenient bracket or wire harness under the dashboard.
  • the present invention 10 is suspended high enough so as to allow only speaker 24 to be exposed and facing the occupants of the vehicle.
  • the present invention 10 In normal operation, power is supplied to the present invention 10 through the negative lead 16 and the positive lead 18 when the ignition is switched on, as, for example, when the vehicle is started.
  • the negative lead 16 and the positive lead 18 are 20 gauge wire and are approximately four feet long so as to provide sufficient length to mount the normally open switch 20 in any convenient location.
  • a synthesized voice will begin to warn the driver by repeating a message. The message will continue to be repeated until the normally open switch 20 is pressed.
  • the driver of the vehicle may press the normally open switch 20 before the message is fully announced.
  • the circuitry provides that subsequent messages would, nonetheless start at the beginning. In this normal mode, the single pressing of the normally open switch 20 will deactivate the present invention 10.
  • the present invention provides an advantage over systems currently installed in vehicles today, by giving the driver the ability to activate the present invention 10 whether or not the ignition has been switched off and back on. If, for example, a passenger enters the vehicle while the engine is already running, the driver may manually activate the present invention 10 by pressing the normally open switch 20 once, to start the message.
  • the normally open switch 20 acts as a toggle to alternately turn the present invention 10 on and off, so that once the new passenger has received the message, the normally open switch 20 can be pressed a second time to stop the message.
  • the individual circuits of the present invention 10 include a voltage regulator 30 which converts the vehicle voltage to the needed working voltage and further protects the present invention 10 from surges in power.
  • a speech processor is provided for creating the message and may take the form of a preprogrammed ROM, while a low pass filter sends the signal to the audio amplifier for driving the speaker 24.
  • the normally open switch 20 is connected to the speech processor and provides manual activation or deactivation of the message.
  • a light emitting diode (L.E.D.) 22 may be installed between the power source and the circuitry for protection against reverse voltage spikes which are known to occur in vehicle electrical systems.
  • the present invention 10 is provided with a volume control 28 and a variable resistor switch 26.
  • the volume control 28 regulates the audible message volume.
  • the variable resistor switch 26 regulate the Intervals for starting the message.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the circuitry of the interval circuitry timing means for controlling the time interval over which the audible message is to be repeated to passengers of the vehicle.
  • the intervals circuitry means includes a timer device 32 and speech synthesizer 34.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
  • Automotive Seat Belt Assembly (AREA)
US07/465,774 1990-01-16 1990-01-16 Self contained device for giving audible messages to occupants of a vehicle Expired - Fee Related US4987403A (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/465,774 US4987403A (en) 1990-01-16 1990-01-16 Self contained device for giving audible messages to occupants of a vehicle
EP90125624A EP0437841B1 (fr) 1990-01-16 1990-12-28 Appareil indépendant pour donner des messages audibles aux occupants d'un véhicule
DE90125624T DE69004944D1 (de) 1990-01-16 1990-12-28 Unabhängiges Gerät zum Ausgeben von hörbaren Mitteilungen an Fahrzeuginsassen.
CA002033794A CA2033794C (fr) 1990-01-16 1991-01-08 Dispositif autonome de transmission de messages audibles aux occupants d'un vehicule
JP3015918A JPH04212649A (ja) 1990-01-16 1991-01-16 車両の乗員に可聴メッセージを与える内蔵形装置

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/465,774 US4987403A (en) 1990-01-16 1990-01-16 Self contained device for giving audible messages to occupants of a vehicle

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US4987403A true US4987403A (en) 1991-01-22

Family

ID=23849105

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/465,774 Expired - Fee Related US4987403A (en) 1990-01-16 1990-01-16 Self contained device for giving audible messages to occupants of a vehicle

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US4987403A (fr)
EP (1) EP0437841B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH04212649A (fr)
CA (1) CA2033794C (fr)
DE (1) DE69004944D1 (fr)

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5264834A (en) * 1992-04-20 1993-11-23 Howard Silken Power equipment warning device
US5418520A (en) * 1991-11-10 1995-05-23 Hirshberg; Israel Credit card alert system
US5463369A (en) * 1993-10-08 1995-10-31 Lamping; George Message emitting device
US5559495A (en) * 1995-01-17 1996-09-24 Cochran; Danny M. Sleep-preventing alarm operable in conjunction with a motor vehicle
US5705992A (en) * 1997-02-18 1998-01-06 Romano; Camille Plug-in picture with recorded message
US5711574A (en) * 1993-07-16 1998-01-27 New Lenox Industries, Inc. Air bag-equipped child's vehicle seat and alarm/arming system therefore
US5714925A (en) * 1996-04-10 1998-02-03 Lee; Patrick J. Motor vehicle operator alerting apparatus
US5952928A (en) * 1997-07-18 1999-09-14 Washington; Freddie L. Driver alertness maintaining device
US6111495A (en) * 1999-02-23 2000-08-29 Garside; Melissa F. Alert device
US6339371B1 (en) 2001-03-19 2002-01-15 William C. Baggelaar Self contained, buckle attachable and actuated alarm device
US6366207B1 (en) 2000-02-04 2002-04-02 Michael Murphy Device for modifying vehicle operator driving behavior
US6404569B1 (en) 1996-07-24 2002-06-11 Bp Holdings, Llc Light switch cover plate with audio recording and playback feature
US6522244B2 (en) 2001-02-08 2003-02-18 Mattel, Inc. Children's ride-on vehicle with audiovisual device
US20050024195A1 (en) * 2003-08-01 2005-02-03 Hoon Bai Resettable motor vehicle maintenance interval monitor by operating time
US20050083190A1 (en) * 2003-10-18 2005-04-21 James David L. Apparatus for warning of child left in vehicle
US7265671B1 (en) 2005-01-13 2007-09-04 Lisa Valles Safety alarm system for seatbelts
US10960817B2 (en) * 2019-08-12 2021-03-30 Christopher Meyers Vehicle automated audio reminder apparatus

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3947812A (en) * 1974-11-20 1976-03-30 Joseph K Lee Ignition switch-activated message system
US4222028A (en) * 1977-10-31 1980-09-09 Danchilla Peter G Vehicle message reminder system
US4346364A (en) * 1979-08-31 1982-08-24 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Voice warning system for an automotive vehicle with ready-to-drive sensor
US4755789A (en) * 1987-04-09 1988-07-05 John Paschal Life belt warning device

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2076579A5 (fr) * 1970-01-20 1971-10-15 Sigmatex Ag
US3870818A (en) * 1973-08-24 1975-03-11 Speech Technology Corp Solid state digital automatic voice response system
DE3037282A1 (de) * 1979-10-03 1981-04-23 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Kanagawa Wiedergabegeraet fuer ein sprachsignal in einer warneinrichtung eines kraftfahrzeugs
JPS5651640A (en) * 1979-10-04 1981-05-09 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Sound information transfer system for car
US4677429A (en) * 1983-12-01 1987-06-30 Navistar International Transportation Corp. Vehicle information on-board processor
US4846382A (en) * 1988-01-13 1989-07-11 Nancy E. Foultner Dash mounting device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3947812A (en) * 1974-11-20 1976-03-30 Joseph K Lee Ignition switch-activated message system
US4222028A (en) * 1977-10-31 1980-09-09 Danchilla Peter G Vehicle message reminder system
US4346364A (en) * 1979-08-31 1982-08-24 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Voice warning system for an automotive vehicle with ready-to-drive sensor
US4755789A (en) * 1987-04-09 1988-07-05 John Paschal Life belt warning device

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5418520A (en) * 1991-11-10 1995-05-23 Hirshberg; Israel Credit card alert system
US5264834A (en) * 1992-04-20 1993-11-23 Howard Silken Power equipment warning device
US5711574A (en) * 1993-07-16 1998-01-27 New Lenox Industries, Inc. Air bag-equipped child's vehicle seat and alarm/arming system therefore
US5463369A (en) * 1993-10-08 1995-10-31 Lamping; George Message emitting device
US5559495A (en) * 1995-01-17 1996-09-24 Cochran; Danny M. Sleep-preventing alarm operable in conjunction with a motor vehicle
US5714925A (en) * 1996-04-10 1998-02-03 Lee; Patrick J. Motor vehicle operator alerting apparatus
US6404569B1 (en) 1996-07-24 2002-06-11 Bp Holdings, Llc Light switch cover plate with audio recording and playback feature
US5705992A (en) * 1997-02-18 1998-01-06 Romano; Camille Plug-in picture with recorded message
US5952928A (en) * 1997-07-18 1999-09-14 Washington; Freddie L. Driver alertness maintaining device
US6111495A (en) * 1999-02-23 2000-08-29 Garside; Melissa F. Alert device
US6366207B1 (en) 2000-02-04 2002-04-02 Michael Murphy Device for modifying vehicle operator driving behavior
US6522244B2 (en) 2001-02-08 2003-02-18 Mattel, Inc. Children's ride-on vehicle with audiovisual device
US6339371B1 (en) 2001-03-19 2002-01-15 William C. Baggelaar Self contained, buckle attachable and actuated alarm device
US20050024195A1 (en) * 2003-08-01 2005-02-03 Hoon Bai Resettable motor vehicle maintenance interval monitor by operating time
US7129827B2 (en) * 2003-08-01 2006-10-31 Hoon Bai Resettable motor vehicle maintenance interval monitor by operating time
US20050083190A1 (en) * 2003-10-18 2005-04-21 James David L. Apparatus for warning of child left in vehicle
US7265671B1 (en) 2005-01-13 2007-09-04 Lisa Valles Safety alarm system for seatbelts
US10960817B2 (en) * 2019-08-12 2021-03-30 Christopher Meyers Vehicle automated audio reminder apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH04212649A (ja) 1992-08-04
DE69004944D1 (de) 1994-01-13
EP0437841A3 (en) 1991-10-09
EP0437841A2 (fr) 1991-07-24
CA2033794A1 (fr) 1991-07-17
EP0437841B1 (fr) 1993-12-01
CA2033794C (fr) 1997-04-08

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